No Laughing Matter

Do a quick search on YouTube and you will find that there are 2,490 videos that show that show "disability is not inability". What does this glib phrase mean?

The Social Model of Disability says that when all barriers are removed a person with a disability (PWD) is left with their impairments, they are competing equally with their non disabled counterparts.

If you are in a wheelchair and there is no access, "disability is not inability" means that when all barriers to access are removed you have an equal chance to get your qualification with any other person. It does not mean that you are a failure if there is no access and you cannot crawl to your next class.

In the video that follows, Robert Tuhamire proves that:

• If a wheelchair wont go to your classroom you can get there by crawling. 
• If a PWD cannot crawl to their next class, they do not have access and they face barriers that cannot be surpassed. 
• If the building does not have access you can always crawl, if you are able.
• If all the barriers to access are removed a PWD can get a degree like anyone else.
• The building he is trying to use is not accessible for all PWDs.

At the end of this video the reporter concludes with a negative stereotype: 

"It is very common that many people with disability wallow in self pity." 

Is it self pity or is it lack of access?